Song name & song playing are different 16,041 songs screwed

Question

Hi, I am thinking someone must have a good idea as to why in iTunes my song names are not matching up with the song being heard(played). It is as though something has scrambled the songs and the written information. Some songs simply do not play at all, even when I go into the Library and manually double click on the individual song file there is no reaction or sound.
I have my iTunes Library on an external hard drive, iTunes 6.0(17) installed and 16,041 songs all scrambled like an omelette.
Any ideas as to the next step?
Cheers, D.

Answer 1

Hi,
An update is in order;
2.3 is a version of ID 3 tag that works well with iTunes... the option to choose a version is given to you when you make a change.
I tried to convert using 2.3 for the I.D. Tags, the only tags which would allow
this were the MP3 tags, the AAC tags this option was greyed out. I tried this
process to 2.3 but it changed nothing in synching the song name with the
song playing and when I confirmed that 2.3 was checked the bow was
unchecked. Tried a dozen different songs and all would not take the I.D. tag
change. Odd?
Do this and we will sort it out for you... make a duplicate copy of the iTunes Library file... select the file and type command - D ... leave the copy where it is.
Start iTunes and set the preferences > advanced > general tab NOT to copy files when adding to library and DO keep iTunes Music folder organized ... set the Location for new music by clicking the change button and choose the folder with the music files inside on the Ext HD... OK the changes.
From the file menu select 'add to library' and choose the folder with the music files inside on the Ext HD.... after iTunes has checked it all and redone the links see if all is OK.... come and tell me what happened.
I did as instructed, four times as a matter of fact. Still no change in the
scrambled iTunes scenario.
I have posted this Scrambled iTunes problem on a few internet boards and thus far it has stumped those in the know. At least I know what has not worked, better than before really. Simply a matter of trying all the suggestions until one works. I always believe there is a way, just a matter of time. Along the way I am certainly learning a few things, a good point.
Any ideas? If you think it is time to close the lid on this case I understand, sometimes moving on is an idea after all has been tried. I do appreciate your time and effort in sorting out this mess.
Cheers, S.